Album of the Week – Lauren Henderson, “Sombras”

Lauren Henderson’s latest album, “Sombras,” released on May 31, 2024, via Brontosaurus Records, is a profound exploration of heritage and identity. Celebrated for her ability to blend traditions and genres, Henderson’s multifaceted roots are showcased vibrantly in this new work. Known for her compositions featured in films, top placements on jazz charts, and accolades from DownBeat Magazine and the Recording Academy, Henderson brings her rich background into this album.

“Sombras” delves into how cultural inheritance shapes identity. Henderson, with roots spanning Panama, Montserrat, and the Caribbean, was raised in North America. This album represents her journey of discovery, reflecting her African Diasporic background through original compositions and heartfelt storytelling.

The album’s title, “Sombras,” meaning “Shadows” in Spanish, symbolizes ancestry as the unseen force shaping one’s present identity. Each song balances the seen and unseen, portraying the influences of generations past on current actions and self-perception.

Musically, “Sombras” is a triumph of expression. The lyrics, in both English and Spanish, mirror the African Diaspora’s influence on Henderson. The album features vibraphone, piano, bass, and drums, creating a mesmerizing sonic palette. Tracks like “Fuego” ignite the album’s theme, encouraging listeners to embrace their passions, while “Illumination” symbolizes strength through adversity. The title track, “Sombras,” and its counterpart “Shadows,” serve as conceptual bookends, making the album feel complete and introspective.

Henderson credits her ensemble—Joel Ross (vibraphone), Sean Mason (piano), Jonathan Michel (bass), and Joe Dyson (drums)—for their contributions. The album was engineered by Daniel Sanint of Flux Studios, whose established rapport with Henderson ensured smooth sessions filled with positive energy and creative risk-taking.

“Sombras” is not just an album but a testament to the power of heritage and identity. With passion and nuance, Henderson’s work oscillates between the light and shadows of identity, offering a richly variegated depiction of the self shaped by cultural lineage.